Advanced Intermediate Writing (ESOL 0351)

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Intensive English Program

Southwest College

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ESOL 0351 – Advanced Intermediate Writing for Foreign Speakers

CRN 25841 -- Fall 2012

Gulfton Center – Room 214 | 7:00 – 8:40 p.m. |Tues./Thurs.

8:40- 9:40p.m.

3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab / 80 hours per semester/16 weeks

Class Dates: 8/27/2012 – 12/12/2012

Instructor:   Shirley Garrett

Instructor Contact Information:  e-mail: [email protected]

phone: 713-718-7750

Learning Website http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/shirley.garrett
Eagle Online Information:

http://smartipantz.perceptis.com/hccs/content/showcontent.aspx?id=147&type=local

Office location and hours: Gulfton Center, by appointment

Please come to see me if you have any questions or concerns.  It is better to ask questions before you have problems with tests or homework. Contact me if you have been absent to arrange a time to hand in the homework and to discuss what you missed.

Prerequisites

A passing grade in ESOL 0347 or, for incoming students, placement exam cut-offs

 

Course Description

A continuation of ESOL 0347, this course concentrates on the development of writing skills, reviews the paragraph and its essential elements, and introduces the multi-paragraph essay.

 

Course Statement of Purpose

This course seeks to prepare students for continuation into ESOL 0354 and ultimately for college composition courses and academic writing in general by accomplishing the following objectives:

•     Students strengthen their awareness of the basic notions of paragraph development, particularly the role of the topic sentence and the internal logical development of the paragraph.

•     Students are introduced to the basic principles of the multi-paragraph composition, focusing especially on the role of the introductory and concluding paragraphs, drafting an effective thesis statement, and organizing the composition according to a clear logical pattern.

•     Students improve their sentence-combination skills, especially in the area of the strategy and techniques of coordination within compound sentences and within simple complex sentences.

•     Students increase their awareness of the nature of the writing process, especially in the area of effective topic construction and in the necessity and techniques of revision and editing.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1.   Appropriately use mechanical conventions of written English in written assignments.

2.   Demonstrate a working knowledge of all verb forms and tenses that are likely to be needed in writing a moderate-length written assignment suitable to the advanced-intermediate English learner.

3.   Produce an appropriate variety of sentence types in a moderate-length written assignment suitable to the advanced-intermediate English learner.

4.   Compose and revise a moderate-length composition of several paragraphs, using a clearly defined writing process.

 

Learning Objectives Leading to the Outcomes Above

1.1 Correctly spell vocabulary used in compositions;

1.2 Apply rules for capitalization of beginning of sentences, proper names and other proper nouns (e.g. cities, countries, regions, holidays, etc.);

1.3 Apply punctuation rules, especially including end punctuation (periods, question marks, and exclamation points), commas and semicolons.

 

2.1 Appropriately use a variety of simple, progressive, and perfect verb tenses, based on the context of the discourse, in written assignments;

2.2 Appropriately use gerunds and infinitives as appropriate to discourse context in written assignments.

 

3.1 Produce compound sentences, using the seven coordinating conjunctions as well as conjunctive adverb sentence connectors;

3.2 Produce complex sentences using a variety of subordinating conjunctions appropriate to the discourse context, with correct punctuation;

3.3 Produce complex sentences using well-formed adjective (relative) clauses;

3.4 Produce complex sentences using well-formed noun clauses.

 

4.1 Use prewriting strategies to generate a topic to write about, along with supporting ideas;

4.2 Write a limited and clear thesis statement;

4.3 Organize a draft by preparing a well-formatted outline;

4.4 Write a draft of a multi-paragraph essay of 200-300 words, with a clear thesis in the introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph;

4.5 Revise the composition after receiving both peer feedback and feedback from the instructor.

 

16-WEEK COURSE CALENDAR

Week One

Orientation, introductions, diagnostic writing

Chapter 1

Week Two

Chapters 2-3

In-Class Composition #1 (Paragraph)

Week Three

Continuation of Chapters 2-3

Draft 1 of Paragraph

Week Four

Continuation of Chapters 2-3

Draft 2 of Paragraph

Week Five

Chapters 4-5

Draft 1 of Essay #1

Week Six

Continuation of Chapters 4-5

Draft 2 of Essay #1

Week Seven

Chapters 4 and 6

Draft 1 of Essay #2

Week Eight

Continuation of Chapters 4 and 6

Draft 2 of Essay #2

Week Nine

Midterm Examination

Midterm Reports

Chapter 7

Week Ten

Continuation of Chapter 7

Draft 1 of Essay #3

Week Eleven

Continuation of Chapter 7

Draft 2 of Essay #3

Week Twelve

Chapter 8

Week Thirteen

Continuation of Chapter 8

Draft 1 of Essay #4

Week Fourteen

Draft 2 of Essay #4

Chapter 9

Week Fifteen

Continuation of Chapter 9

Week Sixteen

Final Examination

(The instructor may change this calendar if needed)

 

Instructional Methods

Student writing of different kinds such as essays, summaries, timed writing for fluency, and dictations

Class or group writing of outlines and essays

Individual writing of essays

Reading and analyzing paragraphs and essays to see how they are constructed

Exercises on pre-writing skills such as generating, developing and organizing ideas

Activities on grammar and vocabulary needed for a particular kind of essay

Activities on sentence types

Activities on revising an essay for content and other errors and ways to correct them

Revising and rewriting teacher-corrected compositions

Peer editing of outlines and essays

Individual conferences for essays

Lecture

Discussion (whole-class, groups, or pairs)

Activities in the textbook, on handouts, or online

 

Student Assignments

Homework: writing on various topics

Writing or completing work covered in class such as revising essays, writing outlines or writing essays in whole or part, writing essays from outlines made in class work. Students will rewrite in-class essays using teacher feedback.

Homework is due on the next class day unless otherwise stated by the instructor.  Homework one day late will receive a grade of 50%. If you are absent, you are still responsible for the homework: work missed while absent has to be completed on your return. Please get a classmate’s phone number or email me to find out what you missed so that you can be prepared for class.

Assessments

Five in-class compositions (and revisions) and the final composition

Weekend compositions, homework exercises, other writing

Quizzes and tests on work covered in class. There will be regular quizzes (some unannounced) over homework or topics we have been studying. Dictionaries and electronic devices are not allowed in writing tests and quizzes.

Automatic failure on final exam: Fewer than 150 words, off topic, no thesis statement or topic sentences, or all simple sentences

Make up policies: If you miss ONE in-class composition, see me to arrange a time to make it up. This will be a great inconvenience for you as essays take a long time to write and you will miss some other class activities. DO NOT MISS COMPOSITIONS. These are major TESTS and they are very important parts of the grade. They are also important for writing development.

Make up policy on missed homework or weekend compositions: I drop the lowest score at the end of the semester.

Instructional Materials

Ready to Write More, 3^rd edition, Blanchard and Root (Pearson Longman Publishers)

Longman Dictionary of American English or Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

A folder to keep papers in                               A 3-ring binder, dividers, and lined paper

A computer flash drive

 

EGLS3: Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.

 

HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty (Dishonesty = Cheating)

Any form of cheating or copying will result in a grade of 0 for that assignment and possibly recommendation for probation or dismissal from the college system. Cheating includes copying from another student during a test or giving another student answers on a test. Another form of cheating (called plagiarism) is copying from the Internet or another text and presenting it as your work. An additional form of cheating is memorizing text from the Internet or a book and presenting those words as your own on a test or in homework. ALL work has to be written by the student and not copied from another source.

 

HCC Policy Statement: Attendance

According to the HCC Student Handbook, you can be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the total hours of instruction (lab as well as lecture). For Intensive English if you exceed a total of 10 hours (12.5%) of absence in any class (= 4 full days of any class, including labs), you can be dropped from that class. If you are an F1 student, this can make you out of status and will cause you visa problems, possibly requiring you to petition for reinstatement. Please email me if you are absent and talk to me on your return to find out the work that you missed.

 

Tardiness and in-class time absence

Classes and tests begin on time. Lateness of ten minutes or more counts as class or lab absence. Three tardies = 1 absence. Lateness after break times, leaving early or disappearing during class or lab are also counted as absences. Texting, using social networking sites, or other improper use of technology during class time or lab time are also counted towards your absences (1 warning = 1 tardy).

Class attendance leads to class success.

 

HCC Withdrawal Deadline

To drop a class, you must speak with a counselor or an advisor. The nearest place to see one is in Gulfton Room 117. The last day students may withdraw or be dropped from a class with a grade of W is Friday November 2^nd before 4:30 p.m. Students who have excessive absences after that date will receive the grades they earn. Note: International students will be out of status if they drop or are dropped from their classes and may have to return to their countries. Speak with a counselor or an advisor before dropping classes to make sure you understand the procedures.

 

HCC Policy on Students Repeating a Course for the Third Time

Repeating students:

Grades of IP or F are failing grades; the student will have to repeat the course. A student who fails a class for the second time must receive a grade of F for that class. Students who repeat a course for three or more times will have to pay a higher tuition fee at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are having trouble in class, talk to your teacher and get help from a tutor. Get other assistance from a counselor before withdrawing or for advice if your grades are not passing. Students should get help so that they will not fail. Tutoring is also available at Gulfton Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 in Room 121 and on Fridays from 9:00-11:00 in the Audio Lab. Evening tutoring is available on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Audio Lab.

 

HCC Policy Statement -- ADA

Services to Students with Disabilities Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Dr. Becky Hauri at 713-718-7910 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations by the Disability Support Service Office. Please see this website for more information: http://hccs.edu/student-rights

 

HCC Policy on Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in any form is not tolerated at Houston Community College. It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook 47). See HCCS Student Handbook for more information.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

Treat your classmates and teacher with respect. Use English. Make the most of your class time by actively participating in discussions and activities. Do not use your cell phone to text during class. Turn your cell phone to vibrate and keep it in your pocket if you are expecting an emergency call.

Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices

Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.

Misuse of Electronic Devices in the Classroom

The use of electronic devices by students in the classroom is up to the discretion of the instructor. Any use of such devices for purposes other than student learning is strictly prohibited. If an instructor perceives such use as disruptive and/or inappropriate, the instructor has the right to terminate such use. If the behavior continues, the student may be subject to disciplinary action to include removal from the classroom or referral to the Dean of Student Services. (Please see the Attendance Policy for this class.)

Disruptive Behavior: Students who conduct themselves in a manner that significantly interferes with college teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other authorized college activities (including its public service functions) on the college premises will be subject to disciplinary action.

 

Missed tests, presentations, quizzes: Please do not be absent on testing or presentation days. If you are absent, you must ask your instructor for permission to make up what you missed. Missed presentations and examinations can be made up only if you can provide what your instructor considers an acceptable reason for having a second chance. If you do not speak with your instructor about this on the day when you return to class, you will not be allowed to make up the work.

Late homework: If homework is one day late without a reason that is acceptable to your instructor, the grade will go down 15 points. Two days late = 30 points down. Late homework will not be accepted after the second day. If you miss classwork, you cannot receive full credit for making it up.

 

INSTRUCTOR’S REQUIREMENTS

The teacher needs to:

• Create a rich learning environment for writing and student interaction.
• Give students extra reading in class and in lab on topics connected to the course
• Make classes, projects, tests, assignments, policies, dates, and regulations clear.
• Tell students about important HCC policies such as attendance and academic honesty (no cheating).
• Make arrangements to be available to students when they need help or have questions.
• Give help when needed
• Provide grading scales and assessment.
• Make a class calendar available.

To succeed in college the students need to:

• Work hard, attend all classes, and be on time. Good attendance + hard work = SUCCESS
• If you are absent for all or part of a class, you are responsible for contacting the instructor as soon as possible to find out what you missed and to find out if the work can be made up.
• Pay attention, listen carefully and ask questions. Listen and be respectful to other students’ contributions.
• Create a good learning environment. Turn off cell phones or use vibrate mode for emergencies. No Texting in class.
• Concentrate. Use English only in class time and sit next to someone who doesn’t speak your language.
• Eat well for energy. The brain needs good food. Eat breakfast at home and lunch in break times.
• Do homework. The brain learns by seeing new words and ideas many times in different ways.
• Do your own work and learn. Copying from the Internet and other sources is not learning.
• Have fun with English.
• Read, write, listen and speak English in daily life through TV, neighbors, students and coworkers, and volunteering in the community.
• Use technology for learning on-line in English learning sites.

PROGRAM AND ESL DISCIPLINE REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements for ESOL 0351

Students in 0351 will fulfill the following requirements:

A minimum of 5 graded compositions done in class. A maximum of one can be a graded single paragraph (75-100 words) The rest or all will be multi-paragraph essays (200-300 words) including the final examination.

The following rhetorical organizations are to be covered, including in the final examination:

Process

Division and classification

Comparison/contrast

Causes and effects

Problem/solution

Students are required to revise and rewrite their in-class compositions (excluding the midterm and final compositions). Students are encouraged to take the revision process seriously.

Students should do regular and frequent alternative free writing activities which will be inspected regularly by the instructor. This may take various forms such as a journal, summaries, etc.

 

HCC Grading Scale

90-100% =A     80 – 89% = B     70 – 79% = C     Below 70% = IP or F (not passing)

FX = Failure due to excessive absence

ESOL 0351 Grading Formula

In-Class Compositions            40%

Daily wk & HW                       10%

Jrnls & lab paragraphs          10%

Midterm Exam Essay             20%

Final Exam Essay                 20%

100%

Important Dates and Holidays

IEP classes begin                                                      August 27

Labor Day Holiday (HCC is closed)                          September 3

Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals     November 2 at 4:30 PM

No Night Classes before Thanksgiving                     November 21

Thanksgiving Holiday (HCC is closed)                     November 22-25

Last day of classes                                                    December 6

Final Examinations                                                    December 10-12

Grades available to students                                     December 21

HCC offices will be closed                                        December 19-January 1